High School Electives

AP Government: This course is an introductory college-level course in U.S. government and politics. Students cultivate their understanding of U.S. government and politics through analysis of data and text-based sources as they explore topics like constitutionalism, liberty and order, civic participation in a representative democracy, competing policy-making interests, and methods of political analysis. *10th-12th grade only 

AP European History: Students will study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped Europe from c. 1450 to the present in this college-level course. They’ll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.*10th-12th grade only 

Art I, II, III, IV: This course is designed to explore fundamentals in media, styles and techniques, which lead to personal expression. This course provides the opportunity for students to work in areas such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and art history. Students will develop critical thinking skills in written and verbal art critiques.

Band: Students will play instruments. 

Chorus: Students will sing. 

Computer Science I and II: This course is an introduction to the exciting field of computer science.  Students will learn foundational programming concepts using the Code.org Computer Science Principles curriculum. They will then apply their coding knowledge to design and build their own mobile apps and websites using web design tools like JavaScript. In addition to app and web design, students will also explore the world of 3D design and printing. They will learn how to create 3D models using software like Tinkercad, and then bring those models to life with a 3D printer. Throughout the course, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they work on coding and design projects. They will also learn important collaboration and communication skills as they work in teams to complete projects. By the end of this course, students will have a strong foundation in computer science principles and digital design and be well-prepared for further study in these exciting fields.

Debate: Debate teaches students how to coordinate the written and oral communication process through a study of logical thinking and research techniques culminating in written and oral presentations. 

Food and Nutrition:This course examines the nutritional needs of the individual. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of diet to health, kitchen and meal management, and food preparation. This is a CTE state tested course.

Leadership and Development: This class is designed to be an introduction into the methods and concepts of development effective leadership. The course will help students develop methods to improve self-awareness, self-esteem, civic awareness, diversity awareness, problem-solving, decision-making skills, etc. The course will also focus on methods of proper goal setting, project planning and organizational skills. The course will analyze various leadership types, leadership styles, and proper ethics. The course will also provide insight into conflict resolution and team building skills.

Office Assistant: Students will learn the basics of office duties. This includes filing, running errands, making copies, etc. all while maintaining a professional appearance and attitude while handling confidential materials.Enrollment is usually limited to the number of students needed to accomplish tasks.*10th-12th grade only

Parenting and Child Development: This course focuses on the principles of child growth and development. Students use these principles to develop learning experiences for children in a safe and healthy environment. This is a CTE state tested course.

Philosophy: This course is designed to be an introduction into the field of Philosophy. The course will focus upon learning historical aspects of Philosophy. The course will also focus on learning the language of and the terminology of Philosophy. Upon acquiring an understanding of the aforementioned information, the class will further examine the Philosophical Themes of Logic, Epistemology, and Ethics. The course will also provide insight into Metaphysics, Aesthetics, and Politics.

Physical Fitness I, II, III, IV: Prerequisite: Health and Physical EducationThis course stresses development through daily exercises and activities in a planned fitness program. Students will learn proper techniques for weightlifting, flexibility exercises, and toning and conditioning through cardiovascular exercises. Emphasis is placed on improving strength, agility, endurance, speed, and cardiovascular through highly organized training. Measurement of the progress is determined by increase in strength in proportion to the student’s body and times for cardiovascular endurance.

Psychology:This course provides an in-depth study of psychological methods, the stages of psychological development, how cognition, learning and conditioning affect behavior, personality theories and disorders, as well as psychological disorders. Students will also research and explore major psychological researchers. 

Sociology: Sociology is designed to examine the ways people interact with one another. Sociology involves learning about relationships within groups such as the social class, relationships within social institutions such as the family, and the organization of societies. Additionally, sociology deals with varied and vital issues and social problems of society. The subject matter of sociology, therefore, is a study of man and his relationship to human groups and institutions.

Sports Psychology: The course will provide students with an introduction to the psychological theories and principles that influence human behavior, during sports participation.The course will teach students key definitions, distinctions, and causal mechanisms that may disrupt peak performance, during sports participation. The course will teach students the principles, theories, concepts, and techniques that will help them experience greater appreciation and satisfaction through sports participation. The course will also help students develop the understanding as to how sports participation can positively affect health, well-being, mental, physical, and emotional development.

STEM I and II: This course is an exciting introduction to the world of electronics and programming. Students will learn the basics of electrical circuits and programming using the Arduino platform, a versatile microcontroller that can be used to create a wide range of devices and systems. Throughout the course, students will work in teams to develop and prototype their own electronic products, applying their knowledge of electrical circuits, coding, and the product development cycle. They will also learn how to use 3D printing to create custom enclosures and components for their projects. Throughout the course, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they work on complex projects. They will also learn important collaboration and communication skills as they work in teams to complete projects. By the end of this course, students will have a strong foundation in electronics, programming, and the product development cycle. They will have hands-on experience designing and building their own electronic products and be well-prepared for further study in STEM fields.

Teacher Cadet I, II, III, IV: Prerequisite: Parenting and Child Development. Students are introduced to the profession of teaching by working closely with a teacher in their classroom. The course will cover foundations of classroom management and curriculum instruction.

Theatre Arts: Theatre Arts promotes learning the essential vocabulary and processes of theatre, as well as reading, writing, and researching theatre literature, acting and technical theatre. In addition, students learn and reflect on aspects of theater through history and in different cultures, as well as the various forms of theater and theater-related media. This course develops creativity and spontaneity in those students wanting to explore theatre, as well as those who wish to commit to a theatre program. Students have opportunities for practical application of knowledge in informal productions. 

Yearbook: This course teaches the fundamentals of producing a high school yearbook. These fundamentals include photography, copy writing, advertising and sales, layout design, and desktop publishing. Enrollment is usually limited to the number of students needed to accomplish tasks required for creation, publication, and delivery of school yearbooks.

Online classes (11th and 12th grade only): 

  • NCVPS: The North Carolina Virtual Public School is a supplemental service that allows students to enroll in classes through their local school (Early Calendar courses only). Students can enroll in courses not offered at River Mill Academy. NCVPS provides students online courses in many subject areas including mathematics, science, English language arts, social studies, arts, advanced placement, honors, and world languages. Visit https://ncvps.org/catalogs/ for more information.
  • ACC (CCP Program): The College and Career Promise program allows students to take college level courses through Alamance Community College. Students can pursue a college pathway or a career technical education pathway and receive college course credits. An application must be completed with the school counselor, Mrs. Rocha, to take CCP classes. Only certain CCP classes are offered on our campus. Visit https://www.alamancecc.edu/admissions-site/career-and-college-promise/ for more information. 

 *Curriculum assistance is assigned by administration.